Dual CS 429

The Dual CS-429 (and many other modern turntables) have one built-in - simply set the switch on the rear to "line." You can use any set of "audio in" red/white RCA jacks on the rear of the Denon. If you decide on a turntable without the build-in pre-amp, I would recommend the $65 Art DJ Pre2. Automatic is very nice.

I was looking at both of those (a friend loaned me a Carbon Evo so I was actually able to test drive one) and while the Evo sounded good I didn't like the fragile nature of the anti-skate mechanism. I ended up buying a Dual CS 429 with a 2M Red because I like that the plinth is heavier than the other two, and I wanted the auto features.

When deciding on my next turntable I weighed the pros and cons of vintage vs new, and ended going for something new. I didn't want to end up with something that could be fiddly, I just want to listen to my records, so I bought (from Crutchfield) a Dual CS 429 fully automatic w/ 2M Red; I love it and it's got a warranty.

If you want a new automatic player, I'd suggest the CS-429 isn't the way to go as it's rather expensive for the quality it delivers. The Audio technica AT-LP3 costs about 1/2 to 1/3rd as much, includes built in phono-pre, and uses the same tonearm and mechanism as the Dual. If you want to save up your dough for a nice semi auto (start manually, but auto return), think about splurging on an SL-1500C from Technics, but I'd stay away from the Dual.